HTA Details
Point-of-Care Hemoglobin A1c Testing
- Publication date
-
2014-July-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Diabetes and Other Endocrinal, Nutritional and Metabolic
- Recommendation
-
Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations:
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee affirms the accuracy of point-of-care testing of hemoglobin A1c levels.
- However, recognizing that the need for quality-controlled, readily shared, non-duplicated information on hemoglobin A1c levels is the real issue regarding access to the test, the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends continuing laboratory-based testing. Furthermore, the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee urges that the Ontario Laboratory Information System reach full implementation as soon as possible to allow for sharing of hemoglobin A1c and other laboratory information between various health care providers involved in patient care.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted these recommendations.
-
To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months. Patients with diabetes should have hemoglobin A1c levels tested every three to six months. In Ontario, most patients with diabetes go to community laboratories or hospitals for hemoglobin A1c testing before their doctor appointments.
Point-of-care hemoglobin A1c testing is done at or near the site where the patient receives care and is an alternative to testing in a laboratory.
Point-of-care testing has several potential advantages: it is close to where the patient receives care; results are available fast, and testing patients in rural or remote communities is easy. Point-of-care hemoglobin A1c tests could be more efficient if its results are as reliable as laboratory test results.
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
